The Georgetown Hoyas’ showdown with the two-time National Champion UConn Huskies was one of the most anticipated matchups in the Big East this season. Although Georgetown ultimately lost 68-60, sophomore Curtis Williams Jr. gave fans a reason to stay hopeful, delivering a standout performance that showcased his potential.

In just 22 minutes of play, the 6’6 guard scored 15 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and dished out 1 assist. Despite not yet earning a starting spot on the team, Williams has demonstrated significant growth and confidence in his game, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. While the Hoyas have a challenging road ahead, head coach Ed Cooley will likely lean on Curtis to step up even more in future contests.

A Michigan Phenomenon takes his talents to Louisville

Born on November 25, 2004, Curtis Williams Jr. grew up in the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan. The son of Rhea Rodgers, Curtis shares a close bond with his family, including his sister, Alexis Jone.

Curtis made a name for himself during his high school career at Brother Rice in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, where he consistently showcased exceptional talent and leadership on the basketball court. As a senior, he averaged an impressive 16.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, earning recognition as the runner-up for Michigan’s prestigious 2023 Mr. Basketball Award.

He was the driving force behind Brother Rice’s historic 22-2 season, leading the team to their first outright CHSL Central Division title since 1996 and their first CHSL tournament championship since 1990.

As a junior, Curtis delivered another standout season, averaging 16.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 39% from beyond the arc. His stellar performance earned him First Team All-CHSL honors and solidified his reputation as a rising star in Michigan basketball.

A consensus 4-star recruit, Curtis gained national recognition as one of the top prospects in the 2023 class. He was ranked No. 73 by Rivals.com and No. 84 by ESPN 100, solidifying his status as a highly sought-after talent heading into his collegiate career.

The University of Louisville men’s basketball program proudly announced the signing of Curtis Williams Jr. to a national letter of intent as part of their 2023 recruiting class.

“We’re blessed to have a kid who brings a winning culture with him like Curtis,” Former Louisville head coach  said. “He will walk into our program understanding what winning takes. He’s a versatile guard wing who can play the 1, 2 or the 3, and an excellent defender. He brings a toughness and a fight to the game that we need. He’s an elite shooter, but as a player he’s more than that. He will bring a great spirit to our program that will be solely about team, work ethic and character. Louisville fans will love him.” His all-around game and versatility quickly made him a standout player, paving the way for what would become an exciting journey in college basketball.

Curtis Williams Jr.’s Journey in College Basketball

Curtis Williams Jr. made an immediate impact in his first season at the University of Louisville, appearing in all 32 games and starting in four of them. Averaging 17.6 minutes per game, he contributed 5.3 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 31.7% from the field and 71.4% from the free-throw line.

One of his standout performances came on February 3 against Florida State, where he scored a career-high 19 points and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the charity stripe. Curtis also displayed his long-range shooting ability, hitting a career-high four three-pointers in three different games: 4-of-5 against Pepperdine, 4-of-10 at Virginia, and 4-of-6 against NC State.

His versatility was on full display in Louisville’s victory at Miami on January 10, when he played a season-high 33 minutes. Curtis’s freshman year laid a strong foundation for his collegiate career, showcasing both his potential and growth as a player. As his journey progressed, he sought new opportunities, and that path led him to Georgetown.

Curtis was recruited by Ed Cooley, who took over as Georgetown’s head coach in 2023 after spending 12 years at Providence. Williams was reportedly the first player from Louisville to enter the transfer portal, marking a significant step in his journey.

Since joining the Hoyas, Curtis Williams Jr. has averaged 3.9 points and 1.5 rebounds, with an impressive 50% field goal percentage. In a short amount of time, he has already proven to be a valuable asset to the team. Coming off two consecutive losses, Coach Ed Cooley and the Hoyas will look to get back on track in their next game against St. John’s, who currently sit at number two in the Big East.